Andy’s looked so handy it’s doubtful Posh will miss Elder

The pre-season form of Andrew Hughes has eased the Posh pain of missing out on long-term transfer target Callum Elder. Poshwerekeenforthe21-yearold Aussie to have a second spell on loan at the ABAX Stadium from Leicester City, but the player is understood to be joining Championship side Brentford.

But Hughes has been in dazzling form in a back four that appearstohaveimproved on last season’s form.

“Andrew Hughes has been brilliant,” Posh director of football Barry Fry said. “The manager was keen on a return for Callum, but Andrew has been playing well enough to be seen as the number one left-back in the squad.

“We also have young Lewis Freestone, who has also been inexcellentforminthefriendlies.

“He’s only 16, but he’s been very impressive. It might be the manager wants us to find a more experienced back-up left-back, butit’s goodtoknow wehaveplayersofLewis’sability up our sleeve.

“Callum had told us he wanted to come back, but obviously he has changed his mind.”

Fry is not expecting any more incoming player traffic before the League Oneseason kicks offatRochdaleonSaturday, August 6.

He is however still trying to off-load unwanted players with former captain Jack Payne at the top of his list.

Payne’s high wages are believed to be a stumbling block for any interested parties.

Teenage winger Harry Anderson will leave on loan to a League Two club before the start of the season.

Stevenage, Newport and Crawley have all shown an interest in the 19 year-old.

Inexperienced wingerJordanNicholsonisalsoavailable for a loan move.

Unwanted left-back Kgosi Ntlhe has beentraining onhis own since leaving Posh at the end of last season.

Ntlhe has been released, but Posh are still entitled to a compensation fee since the player is under 24 and came through the club’s Academy.

Fry reports there has been little interest in the player.

Andrew Hughes in action for Posh against Leeds.